Arts & Entertainment

Dating apps urge users to take precautions against coronavirus

Published

3 years ago

March 14, 2020

With concerns over COVID-19 leading LGBTQ+ groups to cancel or postpone events, in some cases even months in advance (such as LA Pride), and bars in community hubs like San Francisco’s Castro District shuttering for the duration, hookup apps are expecting a surge in traffic – but they’re urging users to be cautious.

With app operators reporting an increase in the number of people moving online, according to Reuters, several leading LGBTQ+ dating websites are taking steps to make sure their users are taking precautions, in an effort to both protect them against the virus and to help arrest its exponential spread. In addition, they are encouraging the use of their apps to maintain community and social interaction online rather than meeting up face-to-face.

Grindr, the world’s best-known gay dating app, sent out a notice to its users on Thursday, according to a spokesman, saying, “We… have published (World Health Organization) guidelines in the Grindr app to help users make the best-informed decisions when interacting with others.” A message currently greeting users on the site provides a link to the latest updates from the CDC.

Tinder, which serves a mixed straight and LGBTQ+ community of nearly 6 million subscribers, also issued an advisory note, saying “Tinder is a great place to meet new people… While we want you to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the coronavirus is more important.”

The 30-million-user app Hornet also recently issued messages with advisory notes on how to avoid contracting the virus, and Scruff, which has over 15 million users, has sent out coronavirus tips from WHO “in chunks of 100,000 until all users are alerted,” according to a statement.

Hornet co-founder Sean Howell said, “We’ve shared a variety of news articles over the past few days inside the app in addition to sending messaging.”

Howell also added that Hornet was advising its users to maintain a social network, “but remotely.”

The need for a safe community lifeline may be much-needed in the weeks to come. LGBTQ+ groups warn that gay and trans people are vulnerable to the virus, due to frequently weakened immune systems resulting from HIV and cancer, and with the number of cases of coronavirus at over 156,000 and rising (at the time of this writing), it seems likely that an extended period of “social distancing” may necessitate turning to the apps for something other than hook-up.

“I suspect we will see increases in traffic just like we do in the winter months,” said Howell.

“Social and dating apps are often about meeting people, (but) they’re also about having community and maintaining it online when we can’t do it in person.”

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Arts & Entertainment

Must-attend D.C. Pride events for 2023

Don’t miss out on these fun events during D.C. Pride

Published

21 hours ago

May 31, 2023

Staff reports

Pride Month has arrived, bringing along a vibrant array of events to explore throughout the month of June. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in our favorite events over the upcoming weeks!

PRIDE ON THE PIER & FIREWORKS | JUNE 10TH

The Washington Blade, in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf, is excited to announce the 4th annual Pride on the Pier and Fireworks show during DC Pride weekend on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 2-9 p.m.

The event will include the annual Pride on the Pier Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation at 9 p.m.

3PM: Drag Show

4PM: Capital Pride Parade Viewing on the Big Screen

9PM: Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation

GET VIP TICKETS

PRIDE PILS LAUNCH PARTY | JUNE 1ST

Once again we’re celebrating Pride in DC with the release of Pride Pils!

The 2023 design has been created and donated by the talented Chord Bezerra of District CO/OP.

Attendance is “FREE” but please RSVP via this Eventbrite or donating at the event to further support our non-profit partners SMYAL and The Blade Foundation. 100% will be donated. As always, DC Brau and Red Bear Brewing Co. will be donating all profit from the sale of this year’s Pride Pils to our non-profit partners.

RSVP

‘THE GROUND WE STAND ON’ OPENING RECEPTION | JUNE 2ND

Dupont Underground, in partnership with the Washington Blade presents The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers. DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations. By shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the DC LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries.

RSVP

DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 2ND

Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!

Performers include Destiny B Childs, Elecktra Gee, Jane Saw, and Shi-Queeta Lee

GET TICKETS

SPIRTS & BEER SHOWCASE | JUNE 3RD

metrobar prides itself on serving locally-produced beer, wine and spirits. As part of this mission, we are hosting a curated tasting event featuring Civic Vodka & Assembly Gin from local, woman-owned and operated distillery, Republic Restoratives. We will also have a selection of beers from DC Brau, including their annual Pride Pils for tasting.

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DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 9TH

Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!

Performers include Cake Pop, GiGI Paris Couture, Kabuki Bukkake, Delila B. Lee

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade, Dupont Underground spotlight D.C. LGBTQ Changemakers with new exhibit

‘The Ground We Stand On’ highlights 25 queer pioneers during Pride month

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2023

Staff reports

The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground present “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers,” a new exhibit that highlights D.C. LGBTQ pioneers.

The exhibit, featuring 25 changemakers will be on view beginning Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 25.

The inspiring exhibition will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, D.C. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations.

The exhibition opens on June 2 at 5 p.m., where all the living honorees will be present for the opening reception, followed by Drag Underground starting at 8:30 p.m., featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC such as Shi-Queeta Lee, Cake Pop, Jane Saw, and Destiny B Childs.

“By shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the D.C. LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries,” said Stephen Rutgers, director of Sales and Marketing for the Washington Blade.

“We are thrilled to highlight so many living changemakers who will visit us for opening night, and to honor the memories and work of those changemakers who are no longer with us,” said Ana Harvey, Dupont Underground CEO.

For more information about Dupont Underground, visit www.dupontunderground.org.